Goverment Shutdown

Be a good steward during the Government Shutdown

75% of Grand County Colorado is federally owned land, including Rocky Mountain National Park, Arapahoe National Forest and Bureau of Land Manager. Due to the government shutdown, these three areas are affected and are offering limited services during this time.

As of January 12th, Rocky Mountain National Park press release states snowplowing began to clear the road to the Colorado River Trailhead on the west side. A limited number of custodians started cleaning toilet facilities and trash receptacles. Some basic visitor services including will reopen later in the week. Entrance stations will be open to provide safety and basic information to visitors, but entrance fees will not be collected.

These basic services are funded with revenue generated by recreation fees.

During the closure, there will be no visitor services available, such as restrooms, trash collection, facilities or road maintenance in the Arapahoe National Forest and Bureau Land Manager.

How to be a good steward of our public lands:

• Leave no trace – pack any trash with you, including toilet paper|

• Remember that all federal land rules and regulations apply

• Do not disturb wildlife

The Government Shutdown doesn't mean a shutout in Grand County. Here are some ideas to spend your winter vacation:

• Ice fishing – Come winter, Wolford Mountain and Green Mountain Reservoirs – along with Lake Granby, Shadow Mountain Lake and Grand Lake – offer ice fishing, replete with contests for all ages.

• Skiing, snowboarding – Winter Park and Mary Jane Resorts have been among the country's top spots for Rocky Mountain powder and backcountry skiing for more than 60 years. With nearly 400 inches of snow annually, Winter Park Resort has the most consistent snow for a Colorado ski resort year after year. Granby Ranch in the Granby area caters to families, with ski-in/ski-out condominiums, gentle terrain and one central base lodge.

• For cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, Devil's Thumb Ranch Resort in Grand County has been named the No.1 cross-country ski resort in the country by USA Today 10 Best Readers' Choice Award. Other options include the YMCA of the Rockies/Snow Mountain Ranch, Granby Ranch, Grand Lake Touring Center, C Lazy U Ranch and Latigo Ranch. Hundreds of more miles of backcountry trails exist in the area's public lands.

• Tubing – Grand County is home to five snow tubing hills, including the legendary Fraser hill, Colorado Adventure Park and Winter Park Resort (groomed, lighted and complete with lift).

• Ice skating – Visitors can head outside for a free spin on the rink at Winter Park's Cooper Creek Square, or check out the Ice Box, Grand County's NHL regulation-size, partially enclosed ice rink.

• Snowmobiling - choose from a guided tour through pine forest to the top of the Continental Divide or rent or bring your snowmobiles for some independent backcountry adventure.